French Institute Alliance Française, New York

Established: Before 1950
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Staff Size: 25–50
Parking: Metered street parking
Most popular offering: Weekly Cinema Screenings
Pro Tip: FIAF is the premiere destination for French cultures: film, culture, wine, language learning and more!
Good for Kids: Yes
Walk-ins Welcome: Yes

Q&A with the Digital Communications & Marketing Manager

What sets your business apart from your competition?
Both a language school and a thriving French cultural center, FIAF is the premiere destination for all things French in New York. Members enjoy free weekly cinema screenings, fun wine receptions, digitally downloads of top French mags like French Elle or great TV shows, amazing discounts around town, and so much more. Great yearly festivals like Crossing the Line, our fall trans-disciplinary contemporary arts festival or the biennial spring World Nomads festival celebrating francophone cultures bring top talent to FIAF for amazing cultural experiences. Our Art de Vivre series, including the March festival Fashion at FIAF draws top talent and leading cultural luminaries in the field of Fashion, Gastronomy, Beauty, and Design.

What was the inspiration for starting this business?
FIAF’s mission is to create and offer New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French Cultures.

Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover?
This winter, FIAF is pleased to announce an exciting new film program, CinéSalon. In the spirit of the French ciné-clubs and literary salons, CinéSalon pairs an engaging film with a social post-screening wine reception. For the inaugural season of CinéSalon, our focus turns to new prints and digital restorations. The series pays tribute to the work of archivists and independent distributors who are dedicated to preserving great French films and ensuring that these films are available for generations to see. From Max Ophüls to Jacques Demy, don’t miss this array of classics, as well as some rarely shown gems. Films will be shown every Tuesday at 4 and 7:30 p.m., each followed by a get-together with a glass of wine. Every 7:30 p.m. screening will also be thoughtfully introduced by a highprofile personality in the arts.

What is the best reaction you’ve ever gotten from a customer?
More than just a cultural or education center, FIAF is a place for cross cultural communication and connection. Our members love French and French culture, and cherish the opportunities given by our programs and social receptions to meet and network with other like-minded individuals passionate about France. People love to keep up their language skills and explore culture with a fun, social-minded focus.